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Medical Price Roulette
Man relieved of $1.7 mllion debt relief
An update on the story of Alexis Hernandez, who fought to survive after an explosion only to be hit with a $1.7 million medical debt for his treatment at a burn center in Brooke Army Medical center. While his debt was finally waived after the story and urgings of legislators, others with similar stories still face their huge medical bills. Anna Werner reports
COVID long-haulers may face financial hurdles
Some long-haulers suffering from long-term coronavirus symptoms are now facing financial challenges as well. Anna Werner spoke with several people who faced challenges getting disability and health care coverage.
Some Cologuard users hit with unexpected high bills after cancer test
"I am mad because I pay so much every month for this insurance," on Cologuard user told CBS News. "I just feel like I'm really getting raked over."
Man billed $1.7 million by government for life-saving burn treatment
"I never expected, never in my life to live through something like this," Alexis Hernandez told CBS News' Anna Werner.
Company pauses plan to send 9,000 back to office after pushback
Epic Systems, a medical records software company, "is going to have to adhere by the same rules as everyone else," a local official said.
COVID-19 tests should be free, but these people still got big bills
People returning to their jobs could wind up having to pay for COVID-19 tests, experts warn.
His coronavirus test wasn't processed, but he got billed $9,000
Congress passed a law making coronavirus tests free, but all costs may not be covered by all insurers.
Alabama couple struggling after hospital sues over medical debt
KC and Daryl Roberts were paying what they could each month toward the more than $30,000 hospital bill.
Woman fighting with insurance for follow-up breast cancer tests
Mammograms can save lives, but in some cases, insurance companies are refusing to cover follow-up tests ordered by doctors.
Women shocked by "hidden" cost of mammograms
Health insurance covers mammograms every one to two years, but many women often need secondary tests that aren't covered
Man drives five hours for surgery insurance won't cover
Around the country, middle-class Americans with high-deductible insurance plans are heading to dozens of cash-based surgery centers
Regulators want to change law after CBS News report
"After hearing about — and resolving — a recent issue, we know that if it could happen to one consumer, it could happen to others"
Even with insurance, woman hit with $40,000 in medical bills
When Molly McKenna went to a clinic in agonizing pain, doctors told her it was an emergency. Only later did she learn much of her treatment was out-of-network
How to find out health care costs in advance
How much will that cost? Why did that cost so much? Always ask. Take notes, take names, take numbers
Man hit with $650,000 in medical bills finally gets relief
Frank Esposito was hit with $650,000 in medical bills after his insurance company said his surgery didn't qualify as an emergency
Medical bills jump from $220 to $4,000 a month – for treatment her life depends on
"I was like, how is this even possible?" one patient said of the unpredictable charges
She needed two rounds of ultrasound exams. Why did one cost 10 times more?
Medical prices vary greatly, even within the same city. "It's either unethical or dishonest," said one patient hit with a surprise bill
Ways to save on health care costs
ClearHealthCosts offers some practical tips to help you beat back your health care costs
How to read a medical bill or explanation of benefits
An insurance company's "explanation of benefits" often confuses matters more
Back surgery saved him from paralysis. Then the bills arrived: over $650,000
Frank Esposito, a tool and die maker from Long Island, New York, drained $49,000 from his retirement account and still owes over $220,000
Appealing a claim denial, or how to turn "no" into "yes"
If your insurance company denied a treatment or a medication in advance, and you want help, here's where to start
10 steps for appealing a claim or bill
So you got a huge bill, and you're sure there's been a mistake. Here's a step-by-step course of action
CBS News investigates lack of transparency in health care prices
"Nothing about the United States' health care system really makes sense," one doctor said
Health
Baby formula supplies dwindle amid widening shortage
FDA working to boost formula supplies, with more than half of popular products out of stock in some U.S. states.
Omicron surge adds complications to U.S. economy
The spread of the Omicron variant is causing an additional complication to the U.S. economy, which is already struggling with high inflation and a supply chain crisis. And data shows nearly 9 million Americans were out of work in January because they were caring for someone with COVID-19 or being ill with the virus themselves. Joshua Hausman, associate professor of public policy and economics at the University Of Michigan and research associate at the National Bureau Of Economic Research, joins CBSN's Lana Zak with more.
FDA works to approve vaccines for kids under 5
The White House is now working to provide Americans with free N95 masks and at-home COVID-19 test kits. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the vaccines for kids under the age of 5. Emergency medicine physician Dr. Owais Durrani joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest efforts to combat the virus.
Kids' COVID-19 hospitalizations on the rise
COVID-19 hospitalizations for children are climbing, with an average of more than 900 kids admitted a day. CBS News' Michael George reports, then Dr. Gigi Chawla, chief of pediatrics at Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, joins CBSN to discuss the latest.
COVID-19 infections rising in kids
CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports on a rise in pediatric COVID-19 cases in communities like Kansas City, Missouri. Then Dr. Bob Lahita, director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases at St. Joseph Health and a professor of medicine at New York Medical College, joins CBSN to discuss the latest on COVID-19.
COVID vaccines don't affect fertility, study finds
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 does not reduce the chances of getting pregnant, new research shows. Meanwhile, as the Omicron variant continues to strain hospitals, military troops are deploying to help. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn has more on the pandemic response.
Omicron batters states with low vaccination rates
Thursday marks two years since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the U.S. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn has more on how the virus is impacting states with low vaccination rates, and the battle over masks in schools. Then, emergency medicine physician Dr. Anand Swaminathan joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest.
U.S. debuts site for free at-home COVID tests
Some hospitals are overwhelmed, facing an influx of COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, Pfizer says that its oral pill is showing efficacy against Omicron in lab tests. Dr. Jen Caudle joins CBSN to break down some of the latest coronavirus headlines.
Omicron continues to overwhelm U.S. hospitals
The Biden administration is planning to give out 400 million free N95 masks to Americans in the coming weeks as the coronavirus surge tightens its grip on hospitals in hard-hit areas of the country. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports from Missouri, where COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising among the unvaccinated. Then, Dr. Payal Patel, an infectious disease physician at the University of Michigan Medical School, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest.
North Carolina hospitals overwhelmed
COVID-19 infections are continuing to surge in parts of the U.S. In North Carolina, recent data shows one in three people tested positive for the virus. And some local hospitals are struggling to keep up. CBS News national correspondent Manuel Bojorquez reports from Charlotte.
U.S.
More U.S.
Bad Bunny holds top 6 spots on U.S. Spotify chart after Super Bowl show
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is one of the most-streamed artists on the planet.
Eddie Bauer, venerable outdoor apparel retailer, declares bankruptcy
Eddie Bauer, a 106-year-old retailer, points to declining sales and "tariff certainty" as factors behind its latest move to seek bankruptcy protection.
Ghislaine Maxwell pleads the Fifth, doesn't answer House panel's questions
Ghislaine Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right and refused to answer questions during a virtual appearance before the House Oversight Committee.
New video from deadly Brown University shooting is released
New video footage from the day of the Brown University shooting that killed two students and injured nine others was released Monday.
Nancy Guthrie search enters 2nd week as deadline looms
The FBI says it is taking two emails seriously, including what appears to be a ransom note with a second deadline set for later on Monday.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Eddie Bauer, venerable outdoor apparel retailer, declares bankruptcy
Eddie Bauer, a 106-year-old retailer, points to declining sales and "tariff certainty" as factors behind its latest move to seek bankruptcy protection.
Best and worst Super Bowl commercials of 2026 as rated by experts
Google and Pepsi were among the best ads of the Big Game, while Coinbase and ai.com got failing grades, according to one ranking.
"Black carbon" in Arctic an increasing concern amid other issues in region
"Black carbon," or soot, that spews from ships and makes the Artic Ocean ice melt even faster is an increasing concern in a region beset with many other issues.
As Cadillac races to first F1 season, insiders advise patience for U.S. fans
For the first time, a major U.S. automaker is putting a team up against the European giants of Formula One. Can Cadillac be a contender?
Diamonds endure as the industry feels the pressure
For over five centuries, Antwerp's diamond district has been the cornerstone of the global diamond trade. Now, that legacy is under strain.
Politics
More Politics
Ghislaine Maxwell pleads the Fifth, doesn't answer House panel's questions
Ghislaine Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right and refused to answer questions during a virtual appearance before the House Oversight Committee.
Exclusive
Less than 14% of those ICE arrested had violent criminal records, data show
The official DHS statistics, which had not been previously reported, provide the most detailed look yet into who ICE has arrested during the Trump administration's crackdown.
Gonzales defends conditions at Texas detention center with measles outbreak
Rep. Tony Gonzales said the Dilley detention facility, which houses families and children, is "nicer than some elementary schools."
Lawmakers in standoff over ICE reforms as DHS funding deadline approaches
Republicans and Democrats in Congress are locked in a standoff over reforming the nation's immigration enforcement operation as a deadline to reach a resolution and fund the Department of Homeland Security approaches.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 8, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Tony Gonzales join Margaret Brennan.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Hospital flooded by Hurricane Helene to be rebuilt in another flood plain
Ballad Health, the nation's largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly, plans to rebuild Unicoi County Hospital in Tennessee on land that two climate modeling companies say is at risk of flooding.
Her deadly diagnosis only had 1 warning sign. Here's how she survived.
Becca Valle, then 37, enrolled in a cutting-edge clinical trial after surgery removed an aggressive tumor from her brain.
California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
World
More World
Vonn responds to well-wisher in first social media post after crash
Lindsey Vonn thanked a journalist who wished her well on social media a day after suffering a broken leg in a devastating crash at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
2 babies among dozens missing as migrant boat sinks off Libya
The International Organization for Migration says two infants are among at least 53 people feared dead or missing after a boat capsized off Libya's coast.
"Twin Peaks" triple murder mystery deepens with deaths of suspects
Authorities said they found the bodies of suspects wanted over a triple murder linked to an allegedly shady NGO. One prosecutor said it was like something out of "Twin Peaks."
China sentences Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison
Family of Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media tycoon and vocal critic of China's Communist rule, calls his prison sentence cruel, and the "end of justice."
"Black carbon" in Arctic an increasing concern amid other issues in region
"Black carbon," or soot, that spews from ships and makes the Artic Ocean ice melt even faster is an increasing concern in a region beset with many other issues.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Bad Bunny holds top 6 spots on U.S. Spotify chart after Super Bowl show
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is one of the most-streamed artists on the planet.
Ranking the 2026 Super Bowl ads
Ad Age editor-in-chief Jeanine Poggi joins "CBS Mornings" to break down which ads during Super Bowl LX stood out and if some missed the mark.
The evolution of the quad, ice skating's most daring jump
When self-proclaimed "Quad God" Ilia Malinin landed seven quad jumps in a single program last December, he boisterously ushered in a new era of skating with his daring routines.
Recapping Super Bowl LX
The Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX on Sunday. Bad Bunny's halftime show highlighted Puerto Rican culture and featured Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga, but drew criticism from President Trump. CBS News correspondent Nidia Cavazos has more.
As Cadillac races to first F1 season, insiders advise patience for U.S. fans
For the first time, a major U.S. automaker is putting a team up against the European giants of Formula One. Can Cadillac be a contender?
Technology
More Technology
Super Bowl fans warned to leave drones at home amid flight ban
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
How will AI transform the workforce?
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger talks about how companies are using artificial intelligence, the discussion around the technology and how it's impacting the workforce.
Tesla, Waymo leaders defend product safety
Executives from Waymo and Tesla defended their self-driving vehicle technology in testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports and Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at the digital media company Puck, has more.
Science
More Science
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Crime
Timeline of Nancy Guthrie investigation
The investigation into the disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mom, Nancy, continues in its second week. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez breaks down the timeline so far.
New video from deadly Brown University shooting is released
New video footage from the day of the Brown University shooting that killed two students and injured nine others was released Monday.
Ghislaine Maxwell set to give deposition
The House Oversight Committee is set to depose Jeffrey Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell on Monday as part of the panel's investigation into the late convicted sex offender. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Search for Nancy Guthrie enters 2nd week
Authorities visited Nancy Guthrie's home over the weekend to collect evidence from what appeared to be a septic tank. Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released another video pleading for their mother's release. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti has the latest.
Nancy Guthrie search enters second week
The search for Nancy Guthrie entered its second week after Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released another video, telling their mother's possible abductor, "we will pay." Steven Jensen, a former assistant director at the FBI, breaks down the latest.
Space
More Space
New space station crew eager for Wednesday launch
The new crew will replace four station fliers who returned to Earth ahead of schedule last month due to a medical issue.
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Skier makes Olympic history for Philippines
American alpine skier Tallulah Proulx made history as the first woman to compete for the Philippines in a Winter Olympics. The 17-year-old talks to CBS News' Ramy Inocencio about her historic Olympic debut at the Milano Cortina Games.
Jimmy Lai's son reacts to father's sentence
Pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison in Hong Kong on Monday. Lai's son, Sebastien Lai, says the sentence is "devastating but we expected it," and expresses concern for his father's health. Jonathan Price, a member of his legal team, also joins with more.
New data on ICE arrests
Less than 14% of immigrants arrested by ICE during President Trump's first year back in office have violent criminal records, a DHS document obtained by CBS News shows. Immigration correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez has more.
Dramatic Day 2 at Olympics for Team USA
Team USA took home gold in the team figure skating event on Sunday, bolstered by performances from "Quad God" Ilia Malinin and Amber Glenn. Downhill skier Breezy Johnson also took gold. Meanwhile, Lindsey Vonn is recovering after crashing just seconds into her race. CBS News' Kelly O'Grady has more.
Reactions to Tulsi Gabbard whistleblower snag
Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, who is also chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that he doesn't think National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard is "competent for her position" after she delayed handling a whistleblower complaint from May. CBS News' Olivia Gazis has the latest.